Rumor - Completed

Rivers of Light Rumor Tracker

Time Frame

February 17, 2017

Rumor Status

Completed

Specific Details

A new nighttime show called "Rivers of Light" will officially debut on February 17th at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Rivers of Light promises to combine live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. However, the floating lanterns were not included in the cast member previews that took place in November 2016. The show will take place on the body of water between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. Footage from various Disney Nature films is expected to be used as part of the new show.

Other facts about the show include:

Michael Jung has been working on the show for over 3 years.

The show will feature two nomadic Asian shaman's that will tell the story of Rivers of Light.

Aseema - A human embodiment of water. Her name means "limitless".

Aditya - He is the embodiment of fire and light. His name means "like the sun" in Nepalese

The show will also features two acolytes, Ambu and Ketu.

Costumes were designed by New York based costume designer, Irina Kruzhilina.

Composer Mark Mancina crafted an original song for the show. Don Harper created the entire score for Rivers of Light. The score was recorded at Abbey Road in London.

Approximately 100 floating lanterns will float around the water including many animal float lanterns. The lanterns were not in the cast member previews in November 2016.

The show features four animal spirit guides: tiger, elephant, owl, turtle

Show capacity is approximately 5000 per show. The show can be scene from outside the viewing area but it should be viewed from within the viewing area. The seating area opened to guests on April 11th.

Fastpass+ will be available for the show

Per the Disney Parks Blog:

The show, set on Discovery River in the Asia section of the park, will depict an ancient lantern festival guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal Spirit Guides: an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl. These Spirit Guides return at different points during the show to lead the audience through their journey through the Rivers of Light.

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In “Rivers of Light,” a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.

In addition to the show, you’ll also notice the park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo an amazing awakening as the animal spirits of the tree are brought to “light” by magical fireflies, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment.

To create “Rivers of Light,” Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with the talents of master puppet designer Michael Curry, composer Mark Mancina and the filmmakers at Disneynature. According to Imagineer Joe Rohde, the addition of “Rivers of Light” to the park’s offerings will serve as that huge “wow” moment that ends a guest’s visit to the park.

Additional pieces of concept art can be found below:

Originally the show was to open in April of 2016 but delays pushed the opening back nearly 10 months.

On Februray 7, 2017, Disney held a private event for the "Disney Social Media Moms" and a showing was held. Video recording was allowed during this showing, indicating that an official opening may be announced for some time in February 2017.

Test video of Rivers of Light can be found here:

Rumor Timeline

February 17, 2017: Rivers of Light Officially Debuted.

February 9, 2017: The Disney Parks Blog confirmed that Rivers of Light will debut on February 17, 2017.

February 8, 2017: Last night, Disney held a preview of Rivers of Light for the "Disney Social Media Moms Celebration". This was the first time the video was allowed at the show. The video is available for viewing on the Jones Family Travels YouTube page.

No official opening date has been announced, but it appears it will open this month.

January 4, 2016: Disney announced a new 3-day ticket for Florida Residents that has blackout dates at the Animal Kingdom only between May 27 through June 9, 2017. While unconfirmed, the blackout dates could be an indication of when either Pandora: The World of Avatar and/or Rivers of Light are expected to debut.

December 15, 2016: On a Premium Episode of the Unofficial Guide's Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill stated that a February opening to guests is possible, but April/May is more likely.

December 8, 2016: Reports from the December 5th and 6th Cast Member previews indicate that Disney CEO Bob Iger and Imagineer Joe Rohde were in attendance. Additional reports also stated that fire has been added to the show, but the "more than 100 lanterns" have not been added. Neither fire, nor the lanterns were included in the first round of previews.

December 6, 2016: In a press release, Disney stated that Rivers of Light would debut in 2017.

December 1, 2016: On a premium episode of The Unofficial Guide's Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill, he mentioned that Bob Iger felt that Rivers of Light was not strong enough to be released to the public as a stand alone show. It is expected that it will debut in Summer 2017 with Avatar and potentially be replaced in several years with an updated show once the initial costs of Rivers of Light have been spread out over 3-4 years.

December 1, 2016: Additional Cast Member previews are scheduled for December 5-6, 2016.

November 26, 2016: Cast Member previews are expected on November 27th and November 28th.

November 23, 2016: WDWMagic.com is reporting that Rivers of Lights will have Cast Member Previews beginning this weekend.

November 22, 2016: WDWMagic.com user WDW1974 is reporting that he has heard that Rivers of Light might be Dead on Arrival and may need to be re-worked entirely.

November 21, 2016: @OrlParkNews on Twitter has posted photos of new Fastpass+ signs appearing near the Rivers of Light viewing areas.

November 15, 2016: @OrlParkNews on Twitter has reported that a preview of Rivers of Light took place at midnight, presumably for Disney executives.

September 8, 2016: @Blog_Mickey on Twitter reported that rumors are that Rivers of Light has been handed over from Walt Disney Imagineering to Park Operations. If true, this is a sign that it is close to debuting to guests.

September 5, 2016: The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic had it's last day of operation.

August 30, 2016: MiceAge.com is reporting that Rivers of Light is expected to open in October.

August 12, 2016: WDWMagic.com is reporting that The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic will have it's last showing on September 5, 2016. In a post on their forums, WDWMagic is reporting that Rivers of Light is likely to debut in October.

May 28, 2016: The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic officially opened.

May 27, 2016: The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic soft opened.

May 25, 2016: The Disney Parks Blog shared a behind the scenes look at the making of the temporary show, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic. The show debuts May 28th at Disney's Animal Kingdom and is expected to run until Rivers of Light is ready to debut.

May 8, 2016: Youtube user Kim and Carrie posted a video from the Disney Social Media Mom's Celebration that features Mark Renfrow, the show director of Rivers of Light. In the presentation, Renfrow discusses the five acts of the show.

April 20, 2016: WDWMagic.com user wdw71fan is reporting that Rivers of Light may not debut until this fall/Holiday season.

April 19, 2016: TheDis shared a video from the media preview of Rivers of Light. This showed the middle section of the show.

April 19, 2016: Disney issued a press release discussing the new offerings for the Animal Kingdom this summer. It mentioned that an opening date for Rivers of Light is coming soon, but it also announced the limited engagement replacement show, Jungle Book: Alive With Magic.

April 18, 2016: WDWMagic.com user wdw71fan is reporting that he heard the phrase, "back to the drawing board" in a meeting today discussing Rivers of Light.

April 18, 2016: WDWMagic.com is reporting that Disney is considering an interim show that will utilize some of the Rivers of Light infrastructure while they continue to work on the main show.

April 15, 2016: On Episode 101 of the Unofficial Guide's Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill reported that the new goal is to have Rivers of Light opened by the first week of July. Additionally, he indicated that they are considering adding elements from the life action Jungle Book movie that is currently in theaters.

April 15, 2016: Disney is planning a three day media event discussing projects currently in development. It is expected that between April 18-20th Disney will offer more details on Rivers of Light as well as the other entertainment offerings coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

April 11, 2016: Walls are down around the seating area for Rivers of Light and BlogMickey.com has posted a photo update.

April 11, 2016: WDWMagic.com user MansionButler84 is reporting that the new target opening date is July 4th.

April 8, 2016: WDWMagic.com user wdw71fan is reporting that internally Disney does not have an opening date for Rivers of Light. First they are prioritizing getting the show operating correctly and then they will set a date. The goal is June, but there are no hard deadlines. The issue is reportedly related to "systems integration and show control".

April 5, 2016: The Disney Parks Blog confirmed that Rivers of Light will be delayed. A new opening date is expected to be announced in mid-late May.

In addition to the news about the delay, the blog shared a video of some of the projection effects on the Tree of Life.

March 30, 2016: Multiple sources are reporting that previews for the Rivers of Light have been canceled and technical issues may delay the April 22, 2016 opening date.

March 23, 2016: BlogMickey.com shared photos featuring the floats for Rivers of Light.

March 15, 2016: The Disney Parks Blog shared a post that details the costumes for Rivers of Light. In addition to the two storytellers Aseema and Aditya, the blog mentions two acolytes that will also be part of the show, Ambu and Ketu. The costumes were designed by New York based costume designer, Irina Kruzhilina.

March 8, 2016: WDWMagic.com user Imagineerwannab reported that a paid preview of Rivers of Light will take place April 15-17th.

March 8, 2016: The Disney Parks Blog hosted a live chat with Jennifer Fickley-Baker alongside members of the Rivers of Light creative team, Michael Jung and Mark Renfrow. Highlights include:

Michael Jung has been working on the show for over 3 years.

The show will feature two nomadic Asian shaman's that will tell the story of Rivers of Light.

Aseema - A human embodiment of water. Her name means "limitless".

Aditya - He is the embodiment of fire and light. His name means "like the sun" in Nepalese

Composer Mark Mancina crafted an original song for the show. Don Harper created the entire score for Rivers of Light. The score was recorded at Abbey Road in London.

Approximately 100 floating lanterns will float around the water including many animal float lanterns.

The show features four animal spirit guides: tiger, elephant, owl, turtle

Show capacity is approximately 5000 per show. The show can be scene from outside the viewing area but it should be viewed from within the viewing area.

Fastpass+ will be available for the show

The full chat can be found below with a behind the scenes look beginning at the 14:00 mark:

March 2, 2016: The Disney Parks Blog confirmed that Rivers of Light will debut on April 22, 2016 at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Per the blog:

The show, set on Discovery River in the Asia section of the park, will depict an ancient lantern festival guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal Spirit Guides: an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl. These Spirit Guides return at different points during the show to lead the audience through their journey through the Rivers of Light.

Februray 21, 2016: @ThemePark (ThemeParkInsider) on Twitter posted that Cast Members are being told Rivers of Light will debut April 19th.

February 12, 2016: OrlandoParksNews.com posted a newly released piece of concept art for Rivers of Light.

January 21, 2016: WDWThemeParks.com posted a construction update that includes photos of Rivers of Light.

December 14, 2015: Disney issued a press release detailing reasons to visit Walt Disney World in 2016. In it, it is mentioned that the Rivers of Light will debut this spring.

November 20, 2015: The Disney Parks Blog shared new details and concept art on the new Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in Spring 2016.

Per the blog:

The show will take place on Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest – take a close look and you can you see the Tree of Life in the background. In “Rivers of Light,” a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.

In addition to the show, you’ll also notice the park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo an amazing awakening as the animal spirits of the tree are brought to “light” by magical fireflies, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment.

To create “Rivers of Light,” Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with the talents of master puppet designer Michael Curry, composer Mark Mancina and the filmmakers at Disneynature. According to Imagineer Joe Rohde, the addition of “Rivers of Light” to the park’s offerings will serve as that huge “wow” moment that ends a guest’s visit to the park.

November 18, 2015: ORLParkPass.com has posted a large photo update that features aerial photos of the construction of the Rivers of Light viewing areas.

October 24, 2015: Disney posted a casting call for performers in the Rivers of Light show on their official entertainment site. The description is as follows:

Disney Creative Entertainment is seeking CONTEMPORARY and BOLLYWOOD-STYLE dancers for featured roles in a new offering at the Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando, FL. These silent narrators orchestrate all the action to convey the spirit of an ancient and timeless celebration. Choreographed by Ulka Simone Mohanty.

"Rivers of Light," the new immersive nighttime experience coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in spring 2016, will combine live performances with beautiful floating lanterns, water screens and grand theatrical imagery, in a celebration of animals and nature. The event begins with the arrival of a pair of Shamans, two complimentary forces who come to the river bearing gifts of light. Along with their Acolytes, or assistants, the Shamans set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels, engaging in a dramatic dance of water and light to summon the animal spirits.

July 8, 2015: WDWMagic.com user MyKingdomAwaits has reported that during the Tree of Life refurbishment, Disney installed LED lights to illuminate the leaves of the tree. This technology is expected to be used during the Rivers of Light show as well as for atmospheric purposes in the evening.

July 1, 2015: On Episode #82 of the Unofficial Guide's Disney Dish with Jim Hill, he indicated that the show may result in Expedition Everest closing at night during show times. Additionally he indicated that to acclimate the animals to the show, they may be running the soundtrack in the months leading up to the show's debut.

July 1, 2015: WDWMagic.com user WDW1974 has reported that the cost of Rivers of Light is approximately $100 million.

April 20 2015: Ethan Alter of Yahoo.com posted an article about the upcoming Disney Nature movie, Monkey Kingdom. In the article, Paul Baribault, vice president of marketing at Walt Disney Studios revealed that Rivers of Light will use footage from various Disney Nature films.

March 28, 2015: WDWThemeParks.com has posted a photo update of the Rivers of Light Construction.

January 16, 2015: WDWThemeParks.com has posted a photo update on the Rivers of Light Construction.

December 17, 2014: WDWMagic.com user marni1971 is reporting that the budget has been cut for Rivers of Light.

November 18, 2014: WDWMagic.com is reporting that Flame Tree Barbecue will be closing for a three month refurbishment beginning January 5, 2015. The refurbishment is expected to include updates to the covered seating areas and pathways. It is speculated that this may also be a precursor to a premium viewing location for the Rivers of Light show.

September 16, 2014: WDWThemeParks.com posted a construction update that included photos of the Rivers of Light viewing area construction.

August 28, 2014: WDWMagic.com has reported that construction on the Rivers of Light seating areas will begin next week. The seating areas will be in Asia and Dinoland USA.

August 22, 2014: WDWMagic.com user danlb_2000 has posted two permits for the Rivers of Light Show

July 15, 2014: WDWMagic.com user danlb_2000 has unconvered various permits that indicate multiple viewing areas for the Rivers of Light show. These include:

Asia Viewing Area

Asia Viewing Area Control Building

Dinoland EER Completion

Dinoland Viewing Area

Discovery Island Light Bunkers Completion

July 2, 2014: A notice of commencement was filed with the Orange County Comptroller for a "Tree of Life Control Systems". It is expected that this is related to the Rivers of Light project.

June 29, 2014: WDWMagic.com user whylightbulb has reported that the budget for Rivers of Light has been cut and it will not be at the same scale as World of Color or Fantasmic.

June 2, 2014: Disney filed a notice of commencement with the Orange County Comptroller with the address 300 Discovery Island Area Development. It is expected that this work is for the Rivers of Light infrastructure.

May 26, 2014: WDWMagic.com is reporting that Rivers of Light is expected to open in March of 2016.

May 2, 2014: The Disney Parks Blog posted concept art of the Animal Kingdom nighttime show dubbed, "Rivers of Light." Per the Blog, the show will combine live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. The show will take place on the body of water between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. It seems that the idea behind LED leaves on the Tree of Life has also been shelved in favor of a show focused more on water.

April 28, 2014: OrlandoParksNews.com is reporting that a cast member event will take place inside the new Festival of the Lion King theater on May 8th. It is expected that Cast Members will be informed of upcoming changes to the park that may include Avatar, the nighttime show and the nighttime Safaris.

February 11, 2014: WDWMagic.com user tirian has reported that most of, if not all of the Tree of Life Exhibits will be removed/relocated as part of the infrastructure for the new Nighttime Show.

October 14, 2013: Jim Hill reported that one of the components of the nighttime show involves replacing all of the leaves on the Tree of Life to leaves that can be illuminated. This requires significant electrical work to connect power to the 102,583 leaves that are on the Tree of Life. As a result, it is expected that the Tree of Life will be surrounded by scaffolding for a significant period of time, but ultimately the netting around the Tree of Life as well as the scaffolding will be removed once this work is completed.

October 12, 2013: At the D23 Expo in Tokyo, Disney officially announced a new nighttime show coming to the Animal Kingdom on Discovery River, this would also be accompanied by live entertainment throughout the area.

August 14, 2013: WDWMagic.com user Nothsa posted an image of balloon tests on the water near Expedition Everest.

July 30, 2013: WDWMagic.com user Alektronic has posted the following that would link the rumored nighttime show to the new Avatar themed area, "The water show that is being planned will be in the Spirit Forest area."

July 25, 2013: WDWMagic.com user ckozel0318 has claimed to have a conversation with Imagineer Steve Davison regarding the Animal Kingdom nighttime show project. According to the poster, Davison is not working on the project but did confirm it's existence.

July 22, 2013: The Disney Hipsters Blog has reported that the new nighttime show will utilize projection technology on the tree of life as well as lanterns. According the blog, the new show will be called Rivers of Light. This information has not been confirmed by any other source at this time.

May 19, 2013: WDWMagic.com user Tim_4 has identified the Animal Kingdom expansion budget as nearing $1 billion. This would include both a nighttime show as well as the World of Avatar content.